Bigwigs attend Nchindo memorial service

TSHIRELETSO MOTLOGELWA
Staff Writer | Thursday February 18, 2010 00:00

 Among the mourners were former president, Ketumile Masire, President Ian Khama, Debswana MD Blackie Marole, former Chief Justice, Julian Nganunu, ministers Ndelu Seretse, Pelonomi Venson-Moitoi, outgoing De Beers Botswana Chief Executive Officer, Sheila Khama and businessman Satar Dada.

Louis Garvas Nchindo, elder son to the deceased mining executive, thanked the Botswana Police Service and the Directorate of Intelligence for the search for and investigation on Nchindo snr.

'On Thursday morning my father's body was recovered. My brother and I were present throughout the search and I bore witness to all the details of the investigation. Furthermore, once on site investigations where concluded, I was briefed by the police and concurred with their initial findings' he said.

He added that he was ready to take the mettle to lead the family.

Speaking at the service Nicola Nchindo, Nchindo's daughter, implored people to remember her father for his larger-than-life personality.  Speaking at the memorial service held at the Anglican Cathedral yesterday morning she said Nchindo played a major role in the development of Botswana, and influenced those around him in a positive way. 

'When I think of him I always smile, and I hope this is the way you will remember him as well,' she added. Satar Dada, speaking at the function, said Nchindo had done a lot to further the development of this country and its people.

'He was the driving force behind many programmes and projects, the UB Foundation is one which continues to offer bursaries, his passion for citizen economic empowerment was known to all, the Masedi Farms which offered out growers special opportunity, localising senior positions in the mines was another, many engineers were trained during his time, consulting engineers were empowered, tourism diversification and others which are known to all of us and too many to mention.' he told the gathering.

The memorial service was conducted by Bishop Trevor Mwamba of the Anglican Church. Nchindo, who was found dead on the outskirts of Kasane last week was cremated earlier on Tuesday morning. He is survived by his wife Andrea, two sons Louis Garvas and Anthony, and two daughters Nicola and Michelle and grandchildren.